Improving PTSD treatment for veterans with serious mental illness

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for veterans suffering from PTSD and serious mental illness (SMI). It addresses the significant gaps in research regarding effective PTSD treatments for this population, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). The study will involve administering culturally responsive assessments and conducting qualitative interviews to gather insights on participants' experiences. A small randomized controlled trial will follow to assess the implementation of WET and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* enrolled in outpatient mental health services within the VAMHCS (including general outpatient Mental Health Clinic (MHC), Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers (PRRCs), Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM), and PTSD Clinical Teams (PCTs))
* diagnosis of PTSD as confirmed by assessment with the Clinician-administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) past month version
* SMI diagnosis as defined by VHA Directive 1160 (i.e., psychotic spectrum or bipolar disorders) as confirmed by the medical record
* regular telephone access

Exclusion Criteria:

* are engaging in moderate-to-severe substance use that would impact their ability to participate and/or would require a higher level of care
* already engaged in trauma-focused EBP for PTSD (e.g., WET, CPT, PE, or EMDR) or completed an EBP for PTSD within the past 6 months

Where it's running

• Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mary K Howell, PhD — Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
• Study coordinator: Mary K Howell, PhD
• Email: Mary.Howell@va.gov
• Phone: (410) 605-7000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.